SAGINAW, Mich. - The treasurer of the Saginaw board of education thinks elementary and middle school teachers should share the blame for the poor performance of high school students, according to The Saginaw News.

James Woolfolk Jr. said he compares Saginaw and Arthur Hill high schools to a train caboose. "They're on the back end and getting all the blame," The News reported.

The district's math scores on the Michigan Merit Exam were three times lower than the state average, according to The News.

"It's not my intent to pass any judgment on the previous work of those involved with the instruction of our students," interim Superintendent Thomas Barris told the board, The News reported.

"However, I would suggest, based upon student outcomes, that there is additional work to be done."